I’m the last person you’d expect to tell this story.

I’m no author, I grew up playing ice hockey. I’m a lawyer. I’m used to being in charge and controlling everything.

Control went out the window when my dogs got sick. It was as if every foundation I’d built my life on had collapsed. Who was I, really? Why was I feeling so guilty…and fearful? Why couldn’t I handle this? And yet, somehow, I found a way to honor my dogs as they grew sicker… and I was able to open my mind and heart to their wisdom. If I can do this, anyone can!

Was this the worst of times—or the best?

I wouldn’t change a minute of this grand adventure.

Go ahead and scoff. I know what I am talking about. The biggest and best lessons are learned when you allow yourself to remain open to them. Yes, I had to learn the hard way, but what an experience! The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer is my true story—with all it bumps and bruises, pity parties and second-guessing, tears and laughter, joy and ultimate understanding and acceptance.

The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer

Includes illustrations by artist Chris Smith
The cover image is by artist John Weiss
Fifty snapshots of Beezer, Boomer, Doug and his new dog, Coral, also are included

Special Request from the B Brothers

If you know a nonprofit animal organization, please contact them and tell them about the “B Brothers Project,” a unique fundraising program in which they can earn 40% of the cover price for each Legacy book sold on their website.

Lessons in The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer include

Listening to our pets
Gaining a new perspective on our pets’ end of life care
Dealing with anticipatory grief
Conquering guilt and fear: living in the present
Developing a Presence Plan
Finding humor in the worst situations
Understanding our place in the circle of life

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Praise for The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer

“If you are dealing with an aging or terminally ill pet, The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer will help you transform your pain into peace.”

–Connie Harris, reviewer, TCM Reviews, May 2010

“Loved it. Doug Koktavy not only writes a heartwarming and enjoyable story about his wonderful dogs, but provides important information about treatment and other resources. The story is one of the best I have read in a long time about the connection between pets and family. I could really relate to Doug sleeping on the floor when his Labs couldn’t get on the bed, making special food, and doing everything within his power to make the pups feel comfortable.”

–Mary Jacobs, reviewer, Book Hounds, May 2010

“The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer gives you a valuable roadmap for making loving and carefully considered decisions for your sick or aging pets. I am grateful to Doug for the lessons he so sensitively gives us in this groundbreaking book. It is a rare snapshot into anticipatory grief, the very real pain we go through when our pets are departing. The book will tug at your heart.”

–Betty J. Carmack, RN, EdD, author of Grieving the Death of a Pet

“Doug Koktavy did what all thoughtful, loving pet owners [parents] hope to do—find the strength within to consciously care for our dying pets and, ultimately, give them painless, peaceful deaths. But, Doug did even more. He used his emotional pain to find the lessons that are always present in loss and create a deeper wisdom about life itself. If you share your life with pets who are truly your best friends or family, you must read Doug’s book. You’ll relate to his life with his beloved Beezer and Boomer in a thousand ways. And your life will be richer from having met them.”

–Laurel Lagoni, President/CEO, World by the Tail, Inc.

To all those caring for a companion animal during its final journey. May my story help lessen your fear and suffering. –Doug Koktavy

The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Brothers By Doug Koktavy Illustrated by Chris Smith B Brothers Press Hardcover, 328 pages ISBN 978-0-9821260-0-4